Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Unemployment rate
1990–2024BLS state series.
Employment
Kansas had about 1.48 million nonfarm jobs in 2024.
Total nonfarm payroll jobs
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED KSNA).
- •Aerospace manufacturing and healthcare are among Kansas' largest employment sectors.
Unemployment
Kansas' unemployment rate was about 3.0% in 2024, below the national average.
Unemployment rate
1976–2024BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average of seasonally adjusted months (FRED KSUR).
- •Kansas has maintained one of the lowest unemployment rates in the Midwest in recent years.
Labor Force
Kansas' civilian labor force totaled roughly 1.53 million workers in 2024.
Civilian labor force
1976–2024BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average (FRED KSLF).
- •Kansas' labor force has grown modestly, aided by international migration into metro areas.
Occupations
Office and administrative support roles make up the largest occupational group in Kansas at about 14%.
Workers in management, business, science and arts occupations
2008–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, civilian employed 16+, C24010 (2020 not released).
- •Aviation-related production occupations employ tens of thousands of Kansans around Wichita.
Salaries
The median annual wage in Kansas is about $47,900, below the national median.
Average weekly earnings, private sector
2007–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED SMU20000000500000011).
Average hourly earnings, private sector
2007–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED SMU20000000500000003).
| Indicator | Kansas | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage | 47900 | 48060 |
- •Aerospace engineering roles in Wichita rank among Kansas' highest-paying occupations.
Remote Work
About 13.0% of Kansas workers work primarily from home, near the national average.
Workers who work from home
2006–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, share of workers 16+, B08301 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | Kansas | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Work from home (%) | 13 | 13.8 |
Workforce Participation
Kansas' labor force participation rate is about 66.9%, above the national average.
Labor force participation rate
1976–2024BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average (FRED LBSSA20).
- •Kansas consistently ranks among the top 10 states for labor force participation.